Nowadays, racing is all about the highest performance vehicles that can be driven on perfectly smooth tarmac tracks. We are mesmerized by the latest cars that have raw racing names and can hit a lot of Gs, but let’s not forget that good old racing can also be fun.
Introducing the hot rods. You all know what they are. But the rat rods, that’s a slightly different story. These custom made or modified cars are built to resemble the the hot rods that ruled the automotive world from the 40′s to the 60′s. The four wheeled creatures love the “unfinished” look and they dig the dirt tracks. Their tradition is called “Day in the dirt” and they seem like a great deal of fun. They also make some pretty amazing sounds, too! Just check out the video below.

Hot Rod Revue: Day In The Dirt 2010 Hot Rod Dirt Track Racing! from Cal Thorley on Vimeo.

Source: Cars.failblog.org.

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Dirt racing. But not as you’d picture it

2012 Mercedes C-Class Coupe

Mercedes decided to let the cat out of the bag and show us their new C-Class Coupe, ahead of its public debut at Geneva next month. Just as the name implies, it is the two-door variant of the C-Class sedan model and it will replace both the CLC Sportscoupe and the CLK. It will fit in under the bigger E-Class coupe in the company's range, and will have to face up some serious competition coming from the Audi A5 Coupe and the BMW 3-Series Coupe.

2012 Mercedes C-Class Coupe

As far as the exterior look is concerned, aside from the two-door body style, the new C-Class Coupe has a more steeply raked windshield as well as a longer sloping roof. In addition, the car has an arched window line with an upsweep kink into the C-pillar as well as an updated rear end. In the front, nothing has been changed in comparison to its sedan sibling.

2012 Mercedes C-Class Coupe

Inside the cabin, you'll find the new updated dashboard that you probably saw in the sedan version, along with a four-seat layout with independent sports seats. The backrests out in the back can be folded to extend the storage room.

2012 Mercedes C-Class Coupe

Under the hood it will have the same engines as the sedan version:

2012 Mercedes C-Class Coupe

For the United States market, the 2012 Mercedes C-Class Coupe will be available with one of the following two engines: a 4-cylinder 1.8-liter gasoline power unit that develops 201 hp and has a maximum torque of 229 lb.-ft, which will be available for the C350 model; and a more powerful V6 3.5-liter that outputs 302 hp and 273 lb.-ft for the C3350 model. As standard, both engines will be mated to a 7-speed automatic gearbox.

2012 Mercedes C-Class Coupe

In Europe, the new C-Class Coupe will get three gas engine choices and two diesels, all of them featuring direct injection as well as the ECO start-stop function. If you want a diesel, Mercedes is offering a 4-cylinder 2.1-liter engine that cranks out 170 hp or 204 hp. If you prefer gasoline engines, you can choose the 1.8-liter turbo that outputs 156 hp or 204 hp. If you want more muscles under the hood, you can get the V6 3.5-liter that produces 306 hp.

2012 Mercedes C-Class Coupe

For those of you looking for something more economical, Mercedes is offering the C220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY that has a 6-speed manual gearbox along with the aforementioned start-stop system, allowing the car to do 64.2 mpg and have CO2 emissions of only 117 g / km.

2012 Mercedes C-Class Coupe

In the months to come, Mercedes will probably roll out the C63 AMG which will feature a massive V8 6.2-liter engine, good for 457 hp / 487 hp, which will be a worthy adversary for the epic BMW M3.

2012 Mercedes C-Class Coupe

The 2012 Mercedes C-Class Coupe will get its official public debut next month at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show and it will be available in Europe starting with this June. US customers will have to wait until September to get one.

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Finally Official – 2012 Mercedes C-Class Coupe

I’ve always wondered how do car piles happen. It boggles my mind to try to figure out how come that many cars end up one on top of the other. I haven’t figured out the answer yet, but I have some pretty fun pics for you, so we can both stare in wonder.

Oh, the wonders of the interstate.

Get them all… piled up in a… pile.

Trucks can do it too!

Sometimes, it’s better done in the winter.

But it can also be accomplished successfully in the summer!

And it’s best when it involves a supercar. :evil grin:

If you have more examples, make sure you send us a tip. We’d love to complete this collection.

Photo sources: Cars.failblog.org, Verydemotivational.com.

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Car piles – how do they happen?

2012 Audi A6

It seems that the German automaker Audi is having a difficult time keeping up with the increasing demand. For example, if you want to get the new A6 sedan, you'll have to wait about three to four months to drive it. The car will be available starting with next month and buyers are already eager to get one as soon as possible.

2011 Audi A3

According to spokeswoman Esther Bahne, buyers of the new A6 and the compact A3 will have to wait a long time, due to the models 'popularity.  She added that customers have to wait about eight to ten weeks more than usual, after they place an order.

Volkswagen AG, along with the rest of the two German giants, BMW and Mercedes, reported record sales last month, with the VW unit selling more cars than the other two. In order to satisfy the increasing demand in the Chinese market along with the US and China, all of the aforementioned manufacturers are either opening up new plants or expanding their current ones.

As far as BMW customers are concerned, they have to wait about three models for the vast majority of the models in the lineup, except for the very popular X3 SUV for which you'll have to wait even six months, according to Birgit Hiller, a spokeswoman for BMW.

2012 Audi A6

Getting back to Audi, they managed to account 47% of VW's operating profit in the first nine months of last year. VW's luxury division managed to increase deliveries by more than 30% in the last five years, achieving 1.09 million units last year.

Source: Bloomberg

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Keeping Up With Demand, A Real Issue For Audi

Lancia Stratos Revival

It was bound to happen sooner or later, the revival of the legendary Lancia Stratos is heading towards a limited production run. Ever since the car made its debut, Michael Stoschek and Pininfarina hinted that the car will get the green light for production if there are enough customers interested. As most of us had expected, there are already many prospective buyers.

Lancia Stratos Revival

According to the latest rumors, since it initial launch, about 40 customers in Europe and elsewhere contacted Stoschek (he is the guy who commissioned the new Stratos model in the first place) and Pininfarina, expressing their desire to have one. The pair said that the cost of the first example would be about $4 million, but they could roll out a couple of these cars for "only" $540,000 per unit. This figure includes the $135,000 Ferrari F430 (presumably) and the 300,000 Euros to turn it into a Stratos.

Lancia Stratos Revival

If you have more than half a million lying around the house, this revival of the Lancia Stratos is a quick way to get rid of it.

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Lancia Stratos Revival, Heading For Limited Production

2012 BMW ActiveE

We all know that sooner or later we'll have to say goodbye to our gasoline-powered cars and embrace EVs. While other manufacturers have already rolled out electric cars, others are currently planning on introducing these eco-friendly vehicles. We've talked about the Nissan Leaf and the Chevrolet Volt for dozens of times here on rpmGO and we've shown you that cars like those two are the foundation of our future automotive world.

2012 BMW ActiveE

BMW is one of the top players in this competitive world of cars and it shouldn't come as a surprise that they are working on an EV. The German automaker will set out a test fleet of more than 1,000 units of their ActiveE electrical vehicle in the United States, Europe and China.

2012 BMW ActiveE

As you might have guessed, the ActiveE is based on the 1-Series Coupe and comes with an Alpine White exterior paint along with silver-colored, circuit-inspired graphic elements on an electric blue background. Under the hood, where you are used to find a conventional engine, this car has batteries. Out in the back, this eco-friendly bimmer has a completely closed rear apron. Obviously, there is no rear exhaust system.

2012 BMW ActiveE

The interior of the car wasn't left untouched as the tachometer has been replaced by a new instrument cluster that will show the driver the amount of energy being taken from the battery or the current amount being delivered to it through recuperation. More than that, it also features a special battery information menu that gives relevant details about the battery's energy level as well as the remaining vehicle range. While it is charging, it also indicates the remaining charging time.

2012 BMW ActiveE

The 2012 BMW ActiveE has an electric synchronous motor that outputs 170 hp and a maximum torque of 184 lb.-ft, available at any time. With this hardware configuration, the car will reach 62 mph from standstill in less than nine seconds while its top speed is electronically limited to 90 mph.

2012 BMW ActiveE

The aforementioned electric motor benefits from the Brake Energy Regeneration technology. When the driver of the car removes his leg from the accelerator pedal, the electric unit starts to act as a generator that feeds the electricity obtained from kinetic energy back into the car's battery while at the same time; the necessary braking torque is created, slowing down the ActiveE in an efficient way.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Although the car will probably not get the green light for production, we will most likely see this technology implemented in the MCV (Megacity Vehicle) model which will be launched sometime in 2013.

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2012 BMW ActiveE

Hirsch Performance Saab 9-3

It is nice to see that from time to time a tuning company takes into consideration a Saab model. Hirsch Performance is the official supplier for ECU upgrades, exhaust systems, brakes, aero kits as well as a whole bunch of other modifications for the US-spec Saab models.

Hirsch Performance Saab 9-3

Last week at the 2011 Chicago Auto Show, Hirsch unveiled their take on the 9-3 Sedan. Probably the most important upgrade over the standard model would be the increase in the engine's output, from 276 hp to 300 hp, for the 2.8 Turbo V6 power unit. Other engine setups can get updates from 140 hp to 300 hp.

Hirsch Performance Saab 9-3

They did a little bit of tweaking to the exterior looks of the car which featured a rear spoiler, a 4-piece mesh grille set, a carbon fiber body kit with a front splitter and a rear diffuser. In addition, the car shown at Chicago had 19-inch 6-Twin alloy rims.

Hirsch Performance Saab 9-3

I used to dislike Saab models, but ever since I saw Seinfeld I began to like them. Over the last years they really started making some cool-looking cars and this Hirsch-prepared 9-3 is awesome.

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Chicago 2011 – Hirsch 2011 Saab 9-3

1952 Ferrari 340 Mexico Coupe

On March 12, 2011, RM Auctions will be listing this very rare Ferrari 340 Mexico Coupe. This odd-looking Ferrari was made in only 3 units and one of them will be up for sale. This 1952 model is the most successful of the three Ferrari team cars that were built specifically for the famous La Carrera Panamericana Mexican road race, considered the most dangerous road race in the world. The 340 Mexico Coupe is expected to fetch between $2.75 million to $3.5 million.

1952 Ferrari 340 Mexico Coupe

The car features a V12, 4,101 cc SOHC, Aurelio Lampredi-designed engine that produces 280 hp @ 6,600 rpm. It has three Weber 40 mm DCF/3 carburetors, independent front suspension with double wishbone and transverse leaf spring, rear live axle with semi-elliptic leaf springs and trailing arms. It has four-wheel hydraulic drum brakes and the engine is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission.

This 1952 Ferrari 340 Mexico Coupe was built as a bare-bone racer with a body-on-steel tubular frame and had a curb weight of only 1,984 lbs. The car still has its original engine and in it went through a very thorough restoration process in order to bring back the original look and increase its value.

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RM Auctions Will Feature Uber-Rare Ferrari 340 Mexico Coupe

2011 Chevrolet Corvette Z06

The standard version of the Chevrolet Corvette has not modified its shape since the last body was launched, but the new 2011 Z06 bring a whole bunch of improvements and upgrades. The Carbon Limited Edition of the Z06 packs a lighter carbon fiber hood along with rocker panels made from the same material. In addition, the car rides on 20-inch double spoke rims that have a black finish. With the help of the reduced body weight, the Carbon is the best model in the Corvette lineup. This limited edition will consist of only 500 units.

2011 Chevrolet Corvette Z06

The two latest additions are the Z07 and the CFZ, both of them offering their own individual touches. The first one is somewhat similar to the Carbon Limited Edition we've mentioned before, packing a front splitter, rocker extensions and a rear spoiler made from carbon fiber. The Z07 offers Brembo carbon-ceramic brakes and 20-inch wheels wrapped around Michelin Sport PS2 tires. The most important feature of this package would have to be the Magnetic Selective Ride Control that gives the driver more options to play around with while at the same time further enhancing the car's handling on all surfaces.

2011 Chevrolet Corvette Z06

With the 3LZ trim level for the Z06, you'll get sports seats, console cover, door panels and an instrument panel – all wrapped around in leather. A nice and welcomed touch would be the option to choose from different colored stitching. The aforementioned Carbon Limited Edition has suede-leather seating surfaces, a suede steering wheel, shift knob as well as door pulls and armrests.

2011 Chevrolet Corvette Z06

We're certain that if you plan on buying a Z06, you're not looking for leather seats, or a fancy steering wheel – you're probably interested in what is behind the car's hood. The Chevrolet Corvette Z06 has a massive V8 7.0-liter LS7 engine that outputs 505 hp @ 6,300 rpm and 470 lb.-ft of torque @ 4,800 rpm. The Carbon Edition will do the 0-62 mph sprint in 3.7 seconds while the all-mighty ZR1 will need only 3.3 seconds, figures accessible only by supercars.

2011 Chevrolet Corvette Z06

As far as the pricing is concerned, the entry level Corvette Coupe is $48,950 while the Convertible is a little bit more expensive at $53,600. The Grand Sport Coupe has a base price of $54,790 while its Convertible sibling is $58,600. The Z06 is $74,305 and the high-end ZR1 is a whopping $109,800. The Carbon Fiber Package which we've mentioned before costs $3,995 while the Z06 Ultimate Performance Package is $9,495.

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2011 Chevrolet Corvette Z06 – The Bad Boy Is Back

2011 Mercedes SL Grand Edition

Back in 2010 Mercedes launched the SLK Grand Edition. Following that same recipe, they've recently announced that they will be rolling out a "Grand Edition" of the SL which will be celebrating the automaker's 125^th anniversary. This edition will be available for the SL 300, 350 and the SL 500. The prices for this edition will range from approximately $6,532 for the SL 500 to about $9,704 for the SL 300.

2011 Mercedes SL Grand Edition

This "Grand Edition" of the SL will bring Nappa leather seats, a new steering wheel, updated door trim, a start button installed in the gear level and the new AIRSCARF personal warning system that is integrated into the front headrests.

2011 Mercedes SL Grand Edition

As you might have guessed, there will be a lot of "Grand Edition" logos spread throughout the entire body of the SL, both inside and out. It will also sport silver paddles, silver air vents, a chrome air shot, keyless-go system, a third brake light, headlamps which will match the paintwork and a brand new set of 19-inch AMG rims.

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2011 Mercedes SL Grand Edition Revealed